Shopping·9 min read

Multipurpose Beauty Products That Actually Work

multiuse-makeup-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Amazon, Glossier
March 20, 2023

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Beauty items that do multiple jobs and take up less room in our already-overcrowded makeup bags and medicine cabinets? We’re in. We’ve scoured the internet (and our own bathrooms) to bring you the best multiuse beauty products on the market. From wear-everywhere blushes to multipurpose mists, these mainstays will unclutter your beauty routine before you know it.

tower-28-spray
Amazon

A spray solution specifically made for stressed-out skin…

It’s made with hypochlorous acid — which soothes, softens, and reinforces the barrier of skin prone to breakouts, eczema, and rosacea — but without fragrance, oil, and alcohol. Use it as a toner before applying serums, or throughout the day for hydration. ($28, Amazon)

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color-changing-blush
Amazon

A color-changing blush for the perfect shade every time…

Your mood ring wearing-years called, they want you to buy this blush. It’s activated by your skin’s natural pH, and can adjust to give you a sunkissed glow. Plus, the oil-based formula ensures it’ll go on smoothly, even if your skin is a bit dry. It’s fine to use on sensitive skin, and we love dabbing it on our lips as a stain as well. ($35.99, Amazon)

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bag-balm
Amazon

A multipurpose beauty balm for ultra-dry, cracked skin and lips…

Do-it-all products for the win. This hydrating salve actually started out as a balm for cow udders (not kidding) and has now become a staple in the beauty sphere, thanks to celebrities like Alix Earle and Madelyn Cline. Our editors are truly obsessed and use it for flakey lips, cracked heels, dry hands, and more. Throw it in your bag and go. ($8.49+, Amazon)

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tinted-moisturizer
Amazon

A tinted moisturizer that improves your skin over time…

Combine hero ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane and a dewy, light-coverage skin tint and what do you get? A product we look forward to applying every morning, even if it does have SPF 40. If you struggle to put on sunscreen (we’ve been there), we’re begging you to give this mineral option a try. Plus, if you’re a no-fuss morning routine person, this replaces the need for several serums. We’re listening. ($48, Amazon)

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rare-beauty-mist
Sephora

A 4-in-1 mist that truly does it all…

Selena hive, unite. This mist can be used to hydrate in between skincare steps, as a primer before foundation, to set your makeup after all your hard work, and as a quick refresh during the day. It’s made with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which work to soothe and nourish as you spritz. Who says a face mist can’t be perfect? ($14+, Sephora)

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hair-oil
Saks Fifth Avenue

A hair oil that won't weigh your strands down…

The great thing about hair oil is how many different ways you can use it. The only downside is finding one that won’t make your hair feel too greasy. This one — from a brand that makes one of our favorite shampoos for a healthy scalp — feels absolutely weightless when applied to damp or dry hair. We apply it before blow-drying as a heat protectant, after styling to add extra shine, and even on damp hair for smooth waves. It also smells amazing. ($57, Saks Fifth Avenue)

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highlighter
Sephora

A highlighter stick that defies all odds…

When we first tried this highlighter, we were baffled. How was it possible that a cream could look so incredibly dewy on our skin? Just a few swipes to the cheekbones give you that I-just-hopped-out-of-the-pool glow you can usually only achieve on vacation. It lights our skin from within, we swear, and it’s also pretty on our lids. What are you waiting for? ($25+, Sephora)

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lip-mask
Amazon

A cult-favorite lip sleeping mask…

Skimm HQr’s love — and we mean love — this famous Laneige lip mask. Put it on right before bed (especially if you’ve spent all day in the sun) and wake up to smooth, supple lips in the morning. It’s as simple as that. Plus, you can wear it during the day for a glossy, healthy look. Your obsession will be real, we promise. ($24, Amazon)

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face-mist
Amazon

A thermal spring water face mist to refresh your skin…

There’s one thing we know for sure: Face mists are no joke. This one, made with thermal spring water from France, feels like delivering a tall glass of water straight to your skin. It’s great for misting your skin in between skincare steps, allowing your favorite serum to soak in better. Plus, we love keeping the travel size in our bag, only to pull it out when we’ve been in the sun for too long. ($9.50+, Amazon)

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lip-and-cheek-stick
Jones Road

A lip-and-cheek stick that’s foolproof to apply…

If you’re just getting into blush, or have been endlessly searching for the right one, try this multipurpose stick from Bobbi Brown’s new line. Dab it on the apples of your cheeks and your lips, and either use your fingers or a brush to blend in. We love how the formula nourishes your skin as you apply. It comes in eight universally flattering shades too. ($34, Jones Road)

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beauty-oil
Target

A beauty oil we put on everything…

Seriously. Bio-oil has been synonymous with preventing stretch marks during pregnancy, but the vitamin E ingredient also works to fade old scars and dark spots from acne. We’ve also slathered it on eczema patches and woken up with soothed, hydrated skin. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and will never clog your pores. ($7.99+, Target)

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texture-spray
Amazon

A texturizing spray that doubles as hair spray…

Great for travel or mornings when you don’t have a ton of time, this spray will tame flyaways and frizz, while also giving you a tousled lift. It’s great for days when you’re between hair-washing. We’ve even stashed it in our purse for a midday refresh before heading to drinks after work. One-and-done. ($24+, Amazon)

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cream-blush
Fenty Beauty

A cream blush that melts into your skin…

Created by queen Rhianna herself, these blushes will give you just the right amount of color and are even sweat-resistant. If you apply before the gym, we bet you’ll still look brunch-ready afterwards. Thank us later because this is the blush you’ll want to use every day, so target it to your cheeks, lips, and eyelids. ($24, Fenty Beauty)

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lip-gloss
Glossier

A classic lip gloss that’ll also make your eyes pop…

What’s more fun than treating yourself to a new gloss that reminds you of your teenage years? This formula is a little more sophisticated, however, with vitamin E and jojoba oil that’ll work to soften and moisturize your lips. We’ve put it to the test, and it really does stay put throughout multiple rounds of drinking and eating. Plus, it looks cute when swiped on your eyelids for a bit of shine. Brilliant. ($15, Glossier)

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